"After a long time since we released our MIDI to CV converter, we are now releasing a new, sexier and more powerful version of our MID thing.
A 12 channel fully configurable converter in just 6 HP. With MIDI DIN, USB host and MIDI device connectivity and a OLED screen to configure the ports as you like. Also, with a compact 1u version!
Module will be featuring monophonic and polyphonic modes, with built-in ADSR, LFOs and Oscillators. As well as all MIDI messages to be converted to CV.
The module will have a configuration Website as well as a bridge mode for VCV rack!
Module will be available during Summer 2023 at around 300€ tax included."
"Basil is a compact, yet flexible, digital stereo delay module built on the Bastl Pizza platform. It offers clean delay, as well as lo-fi flavors, and its Space section opens the doors to exploration far beyond simple delay territory. The Basil delay buffer modulates really well, allowing to recreate most classic time-based effects, such as chorus, flanger, vibrato, pitch shifter, reverb, and stereo widener, among others, and navigate between them with just a few performative gestures."
How to Install Basil FW to PIZZA
"This video will show you how to install an alternative FW to your PIZZA.
This way you can demo our new Basil Flexible Stereo Delay."
We are thrilled to showcase our latest innovation, Basil, at Superbooth 2023 (booth 0400). Basil is a flexible delay module that offers endless possibilities for creative exploration. Additionally, we will be displaying our new 4-channel dynamic VCA mixer, Aikido, and 5-channel desktop stereo mixer, Bestie, both of which were released earlier this year. We will be also featuring the new facelift of our best-seller granular sampler, Microgranny Monolith. If you wish to reserve a slot at our booth for filming/interview/chat, please put your name in this table.
Basil is a compact, yet flexible, digital stereo delay module built on the Bastl Pizza HW platform. It offers clean delay, as well as lo-fi flavors, and its Space section opens the doors for exploration far beyond simple delay territory. The Basil delay buffer modulates really well, allowing to recreate most classic time-based effects, such as chorus, flanger, vibrato, pitch shifter, reverb, and stereo widener, among others, and navigate between them with just a few performative gestures. Basil is ideal for clean effects, ambient washes, glitchy sound design, or distorted drones. With its V/Oct input, fine delay tuning, and filter in the feedback path, it can also be effectively used as part of a Karplus-Strong synthesis voice. Even the feedback amount is compensated with the shortest delay times to maintain constant decay characteristics when changing pitch.
To enhance your experience with the product release, we have produced a mesmerizing short film that dives into the themes of time, transformation, feedback and states of consciousness altered via time-based effects. The animation for this film was crafted by Pipe & Pallet, with an accompanying soundtrack by Oliver Torr.
Since Basil is based on the same 8HP HW platform as the Pizza oscillator, owners of either module can easily interchange their firmware using the simple firmware update procedure. We will not be selling extra faceplates, but we will open-source the production and vector files for all the modules based on the Bastl Pizza platform. After some refinement, we plan to open-source both the code and the schematics of the module so that users can hack their own Pizzas.
Basil is available to order now via our B-Shop or our dealer network. Shipping early-mid June 2023
Priced at 267 Eur excl. VAT
More on Basil
Basil delay time features stereo spread and fine-tune components, and can be synchronized to the clock via the Sync jack. The feedback knob has two sides - simple feedback and ping pong mode, where the Left and Right channels cross-feedback.
The Space section brings a variety of flavors to the table! The Blur function provides two ways to diffuse the delay – either directly or in the feedback path, tilting the Basil delay towards the realm of experimental reverb machines. The feedback Filter offers low-pass and high-pass modes that can make the sound brighter or darker. Taps are multi-taps with either odd or even spacing, adding density to your delays and reverbs.
The assignable CTRL knob and CV allow you to modulate any of the many parameters (time, stereo, fine, dry/wet, feedback, speed, freeze, lo-fi, blur, filter, and taps) and tailor the Basil delay to your preferred use.
The Speed section allows for longer delay times by running the buffer at half speed or – in the extended range – at quarter and eighth speeds. This approach creates octave jumps, ensuring the delays remain in tune with your material. It is also great for creating drone layers. Because the sample rate goes very low at lower speeds, Basil brings in a low-pass anti-aliasing filter that removes high frequencies. However, you can also turn the filter off with the LO-FI setting and enjoy some downsampled goodness at lower speeds.
The Freeze function treats the delay buffer as a read-only sample loop that can be layered with the incoming signal. You can sync it and use all the other modifications with it as well.
Details follow. Video of an editor created for the Deluge below.
"TLDR: We're going open-source from June 5th.
Since launching our beloved Deluge, we’ve added a ton of functionality, made it more versatile and packed it full of ground-breaking features. Our arranger, looper, advanced sequencing and MPE implementation are still industry leading.
At Synthstrom, we’re devoted to sustainability and want our Deluge to continue being the centre of our users' musical excursions for many years to come. Late last year we started retrofitting older Deluge variations with the OLED screen featuring in our new units. The next step we're taking has been even longer in development - waiting until we knew we had a community full of talented coders who were as passionate about the Deluge as we are. We know now the time is right - it’s time to take software development into overdrive - we’re going open-source!
What is open-source? Open-source means we're opening our software code to the community; our users who know how to write code can now develop their own Deluge features, make refinements to the existing code and contribute to a Community version for all users.
Before the speculation even starts, this isn't us working on a new model, there are currently no plans for that. We've employed a team to manage the open-source project so we can focus our energies into ramping up the building of new OLED Deluges to meet demand, speeding up the retrofitting and refurbishing off older units, and just maybe, finally getting the Deluge into limited retail - though don't hold your breath on that last part :)
Synthstrom will continue to maintain and update the main “Official” repository, including all official Deluge Firmware releases going forward.
Alongside there will also be a “Community” repository (for both the OLED & non-OLED versions), forked from the Official repository, as a central place for community code contributions to be merged together, so long as they don’t appear to break anything and represent complete features ready for use. And of course all future updates to the Official branch can be merged in, too.
And of course, you can fork either branch and make your own changes and share these with others, irrespective of what’s happening in the Official or Community repository.
Installing Community or other firmware builds is 100% compatible with your Deluge's hardware warranty. However, if you use a non-official community build, we won't be able to provide software support.
Our open-source project manager will initially oversee and maintain the Community repository, though this will probably change in the longer term, particularly if or when open-source development branches in multiple different directions. We’ve created thorough documentation and Rohan will also be on hand at the launch, to offer guidance and assistance to those getting involved - including open video Q&A sessions.
Rohan has always been eager to give back to the global community of makers and tinkerers that helped him as a beginner, we just had to make sure the time was right, we had the right people involved and that we had a system that aided those taking part.
We’re also launching a Patreon to help support those contributing to the 'Community' repository. This will allow the entire community to show their gratitude to those developing, testing and refining code by making a monthly financial contribution, from just $1. Though administered by Synthstrom, 100% of these payments (less Patreon fees and tax) will be distributed only amongst those coders contributing to the Community repository - distributed in accordance with how much each individual contributed.
We have re-opened the epic feature suggestion threads on our forums where coders can find ideas to work on and where users can discuss their desired features: https://forums.synthstrom.com/categories/deluge-suggestions
In special cases, the Official repository may consider submissions from the Community repository*, where features and their UI have proven universal appeal. However, Synthstrom needs to continue to provide our customers with a stable and high-performance official firmware version, so we need to be responsible for every line of code in this branch.
Deluge Firmware will be released under the GPLv3 license. There are no restrictions on personal use and this license allows for code to also be used in commercial projects - however, if even one line of code from this is used in a commercial project, the entire piece of code for that project must also be made open-source under this same license.
The newly open source Deluge Firmware source code will live in GitHub. We will be launching this project in June though you can follow our GitHub now and be alerted when it's live. https://github.com/SynthstromAudible
* If a Community feature is to be accepted into the official repository this will be negotiated and licensed on a case by case basis with its developer(s)
Key dates & details:
Monday, June 5, 7pm EDT - Codebase made available, documentation released and Patreon launched.
Wednesday, June 7, 7pm EDT - Open Group video Q&A session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on GitHub following.
Saturday, June 10, 11am, CEST - Open Group Zoom session with Rohan. Will be recorded and made available on the GitHub following.
Following these Q&A sessions. Rohan and/or our Open Source team will be responsive in answering questions on the GitHub. Please try not to flood forums with questions until after these sessions as we anticipate much will be answered therein.
Open-source Project Manager: Jamie Fenton
An experienced games, audio and multimedia production tool engineer, Jamie Fenton is known in the Deluge community for developing the Downrush application. Downrush is used for transferring, viewing and editing of Deluge songs, patches, and media assets using a Wi-Fi SD card and your mobile device."
Deluge Downrush demo - Wireless editor/browser for the Synthstrom Deluge
Downrush works via the Toshiba FlashAir SD card, which has built-in WiFi, and allows wireless browsing/ uploading/ downloading.
With this it's possible to access the card without removing it from the Deluge, by connecting to it just like you'd connect to any wifi network, and simply opening it in a web browser (I've used firefox, ecosia and chrome). This means it's also possible to do it with a smartphone or other device with wifi-access!
"Downrush is a simple FlashAir file manager for Synthstrom Deluge. Expect improvements."
---- Things it can do that I've found really useful:
* Browse, upload and download files without removing the card!
* Move and delete files to keep things more organized - f.ex. get rid of failed/ useless samples, unwanted songs etc.
* Rename samples and resamples as soon as you make them and before putting them into a project and saving! Especially handy with a smartphone when in the zone with the Deluge.
(It's almost like an external screen, just not 100% real-time.)
* XML editing (it has a built-in editor now) - get an overview of KITS/SYNTHS/SONGS, copy tracks between songs (!), copy and multiply kit sounds without having to make the same adjustments from scratch several times, and other such things not currently possible directly on the Deluge.
* Ability to use Downrush on a smartphone/pad as a kind of preview/cue-out with headphones, to preview samples etc. without it coming thru the main outs
Creds to Jamie Fenton !
EDIT: The browser has now been updated so that when clicking on a kit, song or synth's name, it opens the Downrush main editor (not XML view). Click EDIT to get to the plain text XML viewer."
The Archer’s Rig is a percussion sound generator focused on hi-hat and high-pitched percussion synthesis. The module’s design is based on a mixed architecture composed of a flexible digital core, providing a versatile audio source, and a snappy envelope, both feeding an analog process chain consisting of a VCF, a VCA and distortions. The digital source generates different types of noises such as detuned pulses, filtered white noise or cross modulated VCOs, and is followed by an effect section spicing up the noise material with different algorithms like ring modulation, phasing, glitching and digital lo-fi processes Moreover, The Archer’s Rig provides a direct access to the analog process chain, bypassing the digital sound generation, in order to feed it with any external textures. As the module offers a huge number of combinations of the different blocks, it is possible to save and load 96 presets which can be recalled by CV or select-bus.
The Archer’s Rig incorporates a “randomization” function for each parameter, giving a humanized feeling at low amounts. However, pushing the randomization towards abusively high settings leads to instant IDMish results.
Thanks to its extensive list of features and its compact size (8hp), the Archer’s Rig is a versatile hi-hat synthesis instrument and fits both studio setups and live racks.
"A Full voice Analog Synthesizer Eurorack module with deep modulation options due to its multi-destination LFO and Envelope. From Bass sounds to Leads, to Drums and Drones, Telepathy has broad and versatile sound design capabilities."
- 1x Analog Oscillator (saw, square waves)
- 1x Sub Oscillator
- Automatic tuning for the oscillator and fine tune
- Dual Filter including: 1x 24dB Resonant Low Pass Filter with Osc FM and Noise FM 1x 6dB High Pass Filter
- 1x Analog VCA
- 1x Complex LFO (Free/Key/Track/BPM/BPM Key modes, Fade in, Triangle/Saw/Ramp/Square/Random waveforms) that can be mapped to various parameters
- 2x Envelopes, one dedicated to the VCA (with Velocity control) and one loopable for Low Pass Filter, Pitch and PW
- CV in patch that can be mapped to all the basic parameters in parallel with dedicated amount for each parameter
- MIDI in/out and through
- CC in/out, Program Change in/out
- Multitimbral Chaining functionality via MIDI up to 8 modules
"Following, our most special project till date: Fx Boy
Fx Boy is a 12 HP multi FX module with CV controllable EQ and Dry wet, with the peculiarity that each FX is built into a Gameboy cart! Yes, you read right, a Gameboy cart!!
And this is not just it, we have gathered a group of fellow Eurorack manufacturers to design a cart. So we will have 6 carts included in the module from: Feedback modules, Making sound Machines, Tesseract, Touel Skouarn, XOR electronics and Befaco!
It has been a great pleasure and BIG FUN to collaborate with these mega talented designers in these projects! You can expect old fashioned flangers, aggressive folders, dirty bitcrushers, fuzz galore and trashy distortions!
Module will be released in summer 2023 both assembled and DIY and pricing is still to be decided."
"We spoke to George Hearn from UDO Audio at Superbooth 2023 where they announced their latest synthesizer, the Super Gemini. The Super Gemini is an analog hybrid polysynthesizer with a high-quality polyphonic aftertouch keyboard and independent controls for the layers. This allows for a more immersive playing experience where users can arpeggiate one layer and have the other layer doing chords. The Super Gemini also has multi-timbrality, a slide controller for pitch expression, and a ring modulator. It adds wave morphing and has a more expressive control section. It has a slightly different analog signal path, a more upfront, slightly saturated character, and it's louder, a bit more forward and a bit more saturated.
The Super Gemini builds upon the concept and architecture of the Super Sixes with more expressivity and interaction with sound. It is essentially two Super Sixes with added features and a different analog feel to it. The instrument is a continuation and a growth of UDO Audio's product line, celebrating the family with new colorways. George demonstrated the Super Gemini and it did not disappoint, producing beautiful sounds."
"Discover the same loveable hybrid beast that’s shaken up the synth world, retrofitted for out-of-this-world sound exploration. MicroFreak Stellar Limited Edition introduces a slick all-black exterior, decorated with detailed space-age graphics reflecting its controls - primed for your interplanetary sonic voyage."
"MicroFreak Stellar is a limited edition of an acclaimed experimental synth that combines digital oscillators with an analog filter, boundless modulation with musical expression, and a sleek black finish with quirky space-age graphics - primed for your interplanetary sonic voyage.
The same loveable hybrid beast that’s shaken up the synth world, retrofitted for out-of-this-world sound exploration.
A limited edition look
Discover a synth that looks as weird and wonderful as it sounds with a slick all-black exterior, decorated with detailed space-age graphics reflecting its controls.
Lena gives you the guided tour of MicroFreak's explosive V5 firmware update, bringing sample import, a new Sample engine, 3 new Granular engines, and more - for free. Hear the new features in action and discover how they'll work for your Freaky flow.
_CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:57 Sample Engines
04:51 Midi Control Center
05:52 Modulators
06:39 New Presets
08:27 Outro"
Arturia MicroFreak v5 firmware - A detailed overview
"We look at the newly released v5 firmware for the Arturia MicroFreak. This is a major update that adds four new sample-based oscillators for sample playback and granular synthesis, along with other features.
00:33 Updating the Firmware, Samples, and Presets
01:25 Sample Oscillator
04:36 Scan Grains Oscillator
05:56 Cloud Grains Oscillator
08:33 Hit Grains Oscillator
10:35 Importing custom samples
11:16 Using custom samples with MiniFreak oscillators
17:24 Factory Presets"
Update: and two videos from Marc Doty
The Arturia MicroFreak V5 update: Sounds You Would Never Expect from a MicroFreak!
"Here is a demonstration of the benefits of the V5 firmware update for the Arturia MicroFreak by placing samples from an authentic 1974 Moog Minimoog in it!
The theme was created with authentic vintage Minimoog samples and a drum pattern programmed on a Korg Triton Studio."
